Shandur festival in July

The government has decided to hold weeklong annual Shandur festival instead of two-day polo tournament at the world highest polo ground in July. The most exciting polo tournament of the entire Northern Pakistan is played on the top of Shandur Pass - 3,734 meters above sea level.
This year, the festival will be jointly organised by the Chitral district Government, Northern Areas administration and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).
Decision to hold the event was taken at a meeting on Thursday, which was attended by PTDC Managing Director Mohammad Hashim Khan, DCO Chitral, Secretary Finance and tourism Northern Areas (NAs), Chairman District Council Ghizer and other concerned officials.
Sources told Business Recorder that on the special directives of President General Musharraf, the government had decided to add a variety of entertainment and cultural programmes in the annual Shandur festival keeping in view the interest of domestic and foreign tourists.
The government has also decided to increase the annual budget for the festival for making arrangements to facilitate visitors, the sources disclosed.
Shandur Polo Festival attracts not only tourists from within the country but a large number of foreigners come to attend the event, especially, to enjoy the historical polo game, which is played between teams of Gilgit and Chitral.
The first polo tournament took place at the Shandur Pass in 1936. A British Political Agent Major Cobb, who was fond of playing polo under full moon, had selected polo ground near Shandur named "Moony Polo Ground".
Shandur is a unique and fascinating place surrounded by most spectacular mountainous scenery. The festival has some added attractions for the visitors like fishing at the nearby streams and lakes and treat of folk dances and music of the Northern Pakistan.
The highlight of the festival is the final polo match between the Gilgit and Chitral teams. The final provides the most colourful spectacle. Supporters of both sides travel long distances from the remote parts of Chitral and Gilgit, to watch the thrilling game. The event as such also offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the people of this region.